Smythesdale-based SoupBus campaign a success

GENKI Fit Smythesdale’s Fill the Bus campaign has raised more then 930 donations and a $480 Sinclair Meats voucher for The SoupBus Ballarat.

The campaign set out to collect 500 essential items and Genki Fit instructor Jaymee Ellis said she was thrilled with the outcome. “It just fills me with hope,” she said.

“I think the thing that really stood out to me was the broader public’s willingness, ability and excitement about getting involved.”

Attendees to Genki Fit’s classes on World Hunger Day, Wednesday 28 May, were asked to bring $5 worth of essential items instead of paying a class fee.

“Across that whole evening including the sessions we raised over 500 items on that night alone,” Ms Ellis said.

“We did also have interested community members drive from Piggoreet, Snake Valley and Haddon to come along and bring their donations and participate.

“People had a great time, and tried something new if they hadn’t done it before, and it was that feeling of community.”

Several community groups also contributed to the campaign including the Rotary Club of Ballarat South, Woady Yaloak Football Netball Club, Smythesdale Pharmacy, Sinclair Meats Ballarat, Ballarat Baha’i Community, and Goodstart Early Learning Wendouree.

The initiative also sparked conversations in the community about The SoupBus, and a permanent drop off point is now located at Smythesdale Pharmacy.

“People may know that these organisations exist but may not understand necessarily how to help, how to volunteer,” Ms Ellis said.

“Removing those barriers is really important. If you don’t have a car, if you’re older, how do you [drop off goods]?

“Having those community organisations put their hands up and say ‘hey, we want to be a drop off point’ is fantastic, because it means people can go into their smaller communities and still know they are helping.”